The challenging times we’re all experiencing means we’re getting a lot more calls than usual and our call times are longer. So we can support people in the most vulnerable situations, we ask that you only call us if your enquiry is urgent. You can still use our online and mobile banking services and our automated service.

Basic Account

Our Bank of Scotland Basic Account may be available if you don’t meet the conditions for one of our other current accounts.

This might be because you’re bankrupt, in financial difficulty, or if we’re not able to obtain information about your credit history.

Features of this account:

Available

  • Free everyday banking - this means no fees and charges for going accidently overdrawn.
  • Visa debit card - use at any CashPoint® or other cash machines.
  • Access to a range of services - Choose when you bank with 24 hour access to Online Banking and Mobile Banking as well as access to Telephone Banking and branch services.
  • Free mobile alerts
  • Everyday Offers

Not available

  • Credit Interest on your balances
  • Arranged Overdraft
  • Cheque book
  • Contactless debit card and Apple / Google Pay
  • Save the Change®.

 

For more information and terms and conditions for this account read the Bank of Scotland Bank Account Conditions (PDF).

For more information about the fees associated for Payment Services with this account please see the Fee Information Document (PDF).

How to apply for a Basic Account

If you live in the UK you cannot apply for a Basic account directly. You will need to start by applying for one of our current accounts. We will try to get information about your credit history to decide which account is right for you.

Choose a current account

Prefer to speak to someone?
Call us on 0345 720 3040 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm and Sun 9am-5pm) or drop into your nearest branch.

Living in the EU?

If you live in an EU country outside of the UK and are applying for one of our accounts, the basic account is available to you.

Are you in financial difficulty?

We have a range of guides to help you through the harder times. Topics include managing debt and help with redundancy.

View our guides

If you are an existing customer who has become insolvent (e.g. bankrupt, or have entered into a voluntary agreement to prevent being declared bankrupt) please call us on 0345 720 3040 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-6pm and Sun 9am-5pm) or drop into your nearest branch.

Existing Cash Account customers

You can check if you are able to upgrade to one of our other current accounts through Internet Banking.

Switch to us

You can switch your current account from one bank or building society to another in only seven working days.

Current Account Switch Guarantee

  • To apply for a Bank of Scotland Basic Account you must be 18 or older and be legally resident in the European Union (EU). If you already have a current account with another UK bank, you will need to switch when we open your Bank of Scotland Basic Account.

    Before we open your account we need to see proof of your identity and address.

    To complete your application, we will require original documents sent by post, which will be returned to you securely in due course. We don’t accept expired documents or documents printed off the internet.

    Identity documents you can send by post:

    • current passport
    • EU/EEA photo driving licence
    • EU/EEA photo identity card
    • other documents can be accepted if presented in person in one of our UK branches.

    If you have a non EU/EEA passport, we will also need proof of EU residency with your passport.

    Apply here

  • Switch to us in only 7 working days

    We have designed the Current Account Switch Service to let you switch your current account from one bank or building society to another in a simple, reliable and stress-free way. It will only take seven working days. As your new current-account provider we offer the following guarantee.

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    • The service is free to use and you can choose and agree your switch date with us.
    • We will take care of moving all your payments going out (for example, your Direct Debits and standing orders) and those coming in (for example, your salary).
    • If you have money in your old account, we will transfer it to your new account on your switch date.
    • We will arrange for payments accidentally made to your old account to be automatically redirected to your new account. We will also contact the sender and give them your new account details.
    • If there are any issues in making the switch, we will contact you before your switch date.
    • If anything goes wrong with the switch, as soon as we are told, we will refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges made on either your old or new current accounts as a result of this failure.

    For more information and FAQs, please read the Account Switching Guide (PDF).

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Bank of Scotland plc. Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 169628.

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